Willow Creek, located within the park, was a major stopover for freighters on the Toano to Pioche road.  This important freight route, connecting the mining town of Pioche in Lincoln County with the railroad town at Toano in Elko County, was utilized from 1870 to 1876. Freighters ("bullwhackers") turned out their tired oxen, called "sleepers", at this location and rounded up other sleepers that previously were left to rest and graze in the area.  In 1872 silver deposits were discovered, by freighters gathering oxen, in the mountains just to the north of the ovens site.  Shortly thereafter the mining district of Ward developed, and by 1876 Ward was the largest town in White Pine County with a population of 1500 and over 500 registered voters.  The Martin White Company of San Francisco controlled most of the mines of the Ward District.  The most famous was the Paymaster Mine, which became the leading producer in White Pine County during the boom years of Ward producing over a million dollars worth of silver.

The Martin White Company commissioned the ovens to be built to supply high quality charcoal for the two silver smelters located at Ward.  The six charcoal ovens were built in 1876 and were constructed by Swiss-Italian charcoal workers called "Carbonari".  The ovens were made from quartz welded tuff that was quarried from the nearby hills.

The beehive shaped ovens were designed as a replacement for the open-pit system that originated in Italy.  The ovens were a more efficient way to reduce all types of wood to charcoal.  Vents on the bottom of the kiln allowed for fine adjustment of temperature, and the parabolic (beehive) shape reflected heat back into the center.   Each oven could hold 35 cords of wood per firing, and would produce between 30 to 50 bushels of charcoal per cord of wood.  All wood types were used in the ovens, including pinyon pine, juniper, aspen and even sagebrush.

The Ward Charcoal Ovens have served diverse purposes since the end of their original use as charcoal ovens.  They have sheltered stockmen and prospectors during foul weather, and had a reputation as the hideout for stagecoach bandits.  Today, the ovens continue to represent a unique and fascinating chapter in Nevada mining history.  The Nevada Division of State Parks takes pride in their continued interpretation and preservation for future generations to enjoy.

Outstanding geologic features are located in and around the park. Located just south of the charcoal ovens are 250-430' high remnants of Tertiary volcanic tuffs and quarts latite tuffs.  These rocks were used in the building of the charcoal ovens.  This material was deposited during widespread eruptions from volcanic vents south of White Pine County.  The tuff contains visible crystals of honey-yellow sphene.

Spring clusters in the mountains feed Willow Creek, just north of the ovens.  This perennial stream provides plentiful fish habitat.  At one time, a small reservoir was built on Willow Creek and was a favorite fishing spot for local residents.  The earthen dam was found to be unstable, and was destroyed in 1972.

The vegetation communities found in the park include sagebrush and grasses mixed with pinyon-juniper woodlands throughout the park.  Along Willow Creek, abundant riparian vegetation is characterized by lush meadows including various grasses, sedges, wild rose, willows and wildflowers.

Within the park, a diverse wildlife population is supported by the variety of plant communities, abundant cover and remote location.  Among the animals found here are bobcats, jack rabbits, cottontail rabbits, coyotes, mule deer, elk, various rodents and a variety of birds, reptiles and amphibians.

To visit Ward Charcoal Ovens drive seven miles south from Ely on U.S. Highways 6-50-93, then eleven miles southwest on Cave Valley Road.   You may also access the park by turning off of U.S. Highway 6-50-93 approximately 14 miles south of Ely and then 5 miles west on Taylor Road to Cave Valley Road then 1.5 miles southwest to the park entrance.   Cave Valley Road and Taylor Road are graded dirt roads, accessible by passenger vehicles most of the year.

The park is at an elevation of about 7,000 feet and is open year-round, however, access in the winter months may be hampered by snow and mud.  Seasonal temperatures vary greatly at the park, from hot summers to cold winters.   Summer temperatures often reach 90 degrees during the day, and then drop dramatically at night.   Because of the high elevation and mountainous setting inclement weather may occur during any month of the year.   Winter daytime highs are often only about 40 degrees with lows often well below freezing.

1. Do not climb on the ovens.
2. Stay on established roads and trails.
3. ATV riders must be 16 years old and wear a helmet.
4. State law protects all plants, animals, rocks, minerals and historic artifacts within the park boundaries.  Please do not remove, destroy or disturb these features.
5. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet
6. Use garbage cans and dumpsters provided or pack it out.
7. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or *NHP from your cell phone

You are responsible for knowing all park rules and regulations in effect.  The Nevada Division of State Parks welcomes you to this unique and beautiful park.  Please help us to protect and preserve our natural and historic resources for future generations to enjoy!